Pomodoro timer in Windows
Hopefully this isn't too off topic for this site... I've been looking into getting into using the Pomodoro technique for time management - pretty much Merlin Mann's Procrastination Dash with better branding and a cool logo.
The idea is you work in a 25 minute "Pomodoro" and then take a 5 minute break. After 4 Pomodoros, you take a longer break.
I don't feel like carrying a kitchen timer around with me and the only time I feel I get really distracted & need to use this is when I'm working on computer stuff. I decided to get a computer program to do this.
For some reason, the Mac community seems to have jumped on this idea and created great applications like this: Mac Pomodoro app.
I'm having a challenge finding a decent Windows app to do this. Free, preferably open source, and it can't be Adobe Air. So far this is the only one one I have found that seems any good, but it still leaves a lot to be desired: Dinner Timer Lite. It seems OK, but I'd rather have it show the timer while in the system tray.
-Kenny
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Not off topic at all
I always enjoy hearing about new ways to get stuff done. I did a "Google is your friend" search to find more info:
link to pomodoro technique
Don't have a clue how to pronounce it though. I think I'm going to try this to get the next scene in my novel written. Thanks.
Sorry I can't help on Windows software as I'm a Mac user now.
There's a windows one called "Tomatoes!" that I use
You can download it from this page:
http://tech-nous.blogspot.com/2009/02/pomodoro-technique-aka...
(Sorry. Someday I'll actually learn how to do decent links.)
Anyway, it's tiny and dead simple: you click the start button, it starts counting down from 25 minutes, then rings at zero.
I confess I don't use the 'proper' Pomodoro technique. Instead, I use the timer as a crutch when I'm forcing myself to do things I'm putting off. As in, "Gee, I really don't want to work on that report. Hmm. Okay, I just Pomo it, and then I can go read Straight Dope for a while."
Because if I tell myself I only have to do it for 25 minutes, at least I can get myself to start the dreaded project.